A centrifugal model study of slope instability in Ottawa area Champlain Sea clay
Problems of serious slope instability in quick Champlain Sea clay, also known as Leda clay, found in eastern Canada, have been the subject of debate regarding mechanisms of failure and relevant strength characteristics. Eight intact samples of Ottawa area Champlain Sea clay were retrieved, formed into 19 different slope configurations, and tested as reduced-scale models on the Cambridge University 4.25 m diameter 150 g geotechnical centrifuge. Of these, 14 showed some manner of slope instability, ranging from deep intact slope movement, to slope degradation, to flowsliding. Speculation is made on the importance of time-dependent horizontal stress release, on the possibility that prototype failure is not circular and rotational, and that uplift may affect subsequent retrogressions in prototypical landslides but not initial failure. Inconsistencies in the behaviours of models were attributed in part to certain possible limitations on reduced-scale modelling; these included the effects of the unscaled network of fissures and the loss of strength as a function of displacement rather than of strain. Key words: centrifuge, clays, failures, simulation models, slope stability.